Center Republican
Revised county Comprehensive Plan comes together
"I love it when a plan comes together." George Peppard, playing his role of Hannibal Smith, often recited that line in the 1980s TV show "The A-Team" just as an elaborate plan to catch a bad guy unfolded. The revision of the Oliver County Comprehensive Plan has now "come together." At a meeting Dec. 18, the Oliver County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the new plan, ending a process they began Oct. 30 and continued through December.
Oliver County gets early Christmas gift
It's the last thing anyone wants to do, call an ambulance. But if you have to, you want it there fast and you want it to get to the hospital fast, and safely. This is assured with the acquisition of a new ambulance by the Oliver County Ambulance Squad arriving earlier than originally scheduled. Coming from Wheeled Coach, a company in Florida, the new 2009 Chevy 4500 arrived in Center Nov. 29. It is a Type III, meaning it has a box shape rather than a van configuration.
Oliver County gets early Christmas gift
It's the last thing anyone wants to do, call an ambulance. But if you have to, you want it there fast and you want it to get to the hospital fast, and safely. This is assured with the acquisition of a new ambulance by the Oliver County Ambulance Squad arriving earlier than originally scheduled. Coming from Wheeled Coach, a company in Florida, the new 2009 Chevy 4500 arrived in Center Nov. 29. It is a Type III, meaning it has a box shape rather than a van configuration.
The Class of 2019 share ideas on Santa Claus
The Center-Stanton Class of 2019 - some of them are so shy it's difficult to hear their tiny voices. They hesitate before answering and cover their eyes with their hands. They think so hard it's as if they are trying to grasp the spelling of a tough word on a quiz. Others saunter into the room in the Center-Stanton Elementary School, ready for a challenge. They answer the questions with thought in a confident voice.
Oliver County Gifts of Love ready
Christmas will be merrier for 38 families in Oliver County this year. Approximately 30 volunteers spent Dec. 19 at the Center Civic Center packing "Gifts of Love" baskets filled with a turkey, fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, macaroni, soup, paper products and toys. LaVerne Hoffman, chairperson for the program, said the Center-Stanton Public School, the community's churches and a donation from ChristKindlemarkdt contributed toward the program.
BNI dragline fire quickly extinguished
BNI Coal summoned the Oliver County Rural Fire Department and the Hazen City Fire Department at 11 a.m. Dec. 10 to assist with a fire in the "Big Jake" dragline working five miles southwest of Center. "Our employees put the fire out in 15-20 minutes," Jeff Forsberg, Safety Director for BNI said. "We sent the Hazen department back, but kept Oliver County's at the site to monitor the situation for about an hour. We really appreciate their quick response."
School board approves housing incentive program for teachers
After tabling it twice and revising it, the Center-Stanton Public School Board approved the Housing Incentive Program at the monthly meeting Dec. 15. In the program the board will put $2,000 per year into a special account for each qualified teacher employed by the district for five years. If at the end of that period a teacher owns a home within the district, that teacher will receive $10,000 plus interest. One-half of that incentive pay will be given to teachers that rent a home in the district or live outside the district but send students to the Center-Stanton school.
Commissioners tackle many county issues
Oliver County auditor Barb Fleming issued certifications of election to Commissioners Kent Albers and Dwaine Helmers during the monthly meeting of the Oliver County Commission Dec. 4. Albers, serving District 1, and Helmers, serving District 3, were re-elected to four-year terms in November. The commission plunged into a crowded agenda. They tackled two issues brought by landowners. Tony Heidrich asked about an easement so that he can place a fence on land that had formerly been part of a road that is no longer being used. He would like to run his fence straight to the present road thus adding nearly half an acre.
Pulver retires from longtime county service
They filed into the Oliver County Courthouse meeting room wearing suits, dress clothes and overalls. They came from out of town, courthouse offices and the shop. They all came to congratulate Francis Pulver, Oliver County Road Supervisor, for his 23 years of service to the county and community. Barb Fleming, Oliver County auditor, organized a surprise retirement party for Pulver Dec. 4 inviting friends, associates and county employees.
Community dinner - a feast to be thankful for
There was no excuse for missing a great Thanksgiving dinner in Center this year. The United Methodist Church hosted a Community Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at the church Nov. 30. "I thought it would be a nice mission project for our community," Sharon Anderson, a United Methodist member said.
